3 volumes (or parts) bound in 2 volumes. [8], xvi, 204; [8], 346; [6], x, (347)-518, (xi)-xii pp. Half title present in all 3 volumes. Two double-page engraved maps of Greece in Volume I, frontispiece portrait of Choiseul-Gouffier in the third volume. Volume I contains 126 numbered engraved plates on 100 leaves; the two parts of Volume II include a total of 159 numbered engraved plates on 68 leaves including the two extra plates (numbered bis 8 and bis 76); numerous engraved vignette head- and tail-pieces. (folio) 50x32 cm (19¾x12½"), period full mottled calf, spines tooled in gilt, raised bands, morocco lettering pieces. First Edition.
Superb copy of Choiseul-Gouffier's massive and spectacularly illustrated record of his voyage to Greece on board the frigate Atalante, begun in 1776, commanded by Joseph Bernard de Chabert, marquis of Chabert, who was interested in astronomy. First issue of Volume 1, with preface ending "exoriare aliquis" rather than "O utinam" on page XVI. Choiseul-Gouffier travelled to Greece as part of the Marquis de Chabert's expedition. He was appointed French ambassador at Constantinople in 1784. The completion of the work was interrupted by the events of the Greek revolution, with the final volume completed, after the author's death, under the direction of Barbié du Bocage. Blackmer 342; Cohen-De Ricci 238; Brunet I, 1847. With elaborate engraved bookplates with motto "Ante Mare Undae", associated with the House of Rochechouart.
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